Wireless tag communication applications for a venue

ABSTRACT

A system for delivering information to a venue guest includes a wireless tag within the venue and having a Universal Resource Locator (URL) stored therein, and a server for providing the information through a web page addressable by the URL. The web page displays the information to any portable media device that interfaces with the wireless tag. A system for delivering location specific information of a venue to a guest at the venue includes a venue app that contains the information and downloadable, machine readable, instructions that are compatible with a portable media device, and a wireless tag having a location indicator is associated with a location of the tag within the venue. If the venue app is executed by the portable media device, and receives the location indicator from the wireless tag, the venue app displays the information, based upon the location indicator, on the portable media device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/659,761, filed Oct. 24, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/550,705, titled “Near-Field CommunicationApplications For A Resort”, filed Oct. 24, 2011, each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Near field communication (NFC) tags are readable by a wireless reader inclose proximity (touching—8 inches). NFC tags may be incorporated intoproducts and displays for communicating with portable readers. NFCreaders are being included within portable communication devices (e.g.,portable media devices and cellular phones) and are thereby becomingmore common place and more widely used. Bluetooth also offers shortrange wireless communication and is already included in many portabledevices.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a system for delivering information to a guest at avenue includes a wireless tag located within the venue and having aUniversal Resource Locator (URL) stored therein, and a server forproviding a web page addressable by the URL and containing theinformation. The web page displays the information to any portable mediadevice, used by the guest, that interfaces with the wireless tag.

In an embodiment, a system for delivering location specific informationof a venue to a guest at the venue includes a venue app that containsthe information and comprises downloadable, machine readable,instructions that are compatible with a portable media device of theguest, and a wireless tag located within the venue and having a locationindicator that is associated with a location of the tag within thevenue. If the venue app is downloaded to and executed by the portablemedia device, and receives the location indicator from the wireless tag,the venue app displays the information, based upon the locationindicator, on the portable media device.

In an embodiment, a method for delivering information to a guest at avenue includes configuring a web page with the information, wherein theweb page is addressable by a Universal Resource Locator (URL) storedwithin a wireless tag, receiving an access request to the URL from aportable media device of the guest when the portable media deviceinterfaces with the wireless tag, and delivering the information to theguest by sending the web page to the portable media device.

In an embodiment, a method for delivering contact information of aninterested party to an advertiser includes displaying an advertisementof the advertiser at a location accessible by the interested party andwith a wireless tag programmed with a Universal Resource Locator (URL),and configuring a web page addressable by the URL with a script forreceiving the contact information. The method also includes receiving anaccess request to the URL from a portable media device that interfaceswith the wireless tag, receiving, using the script, the contactinformation from the portable media device, and sending the contactinformation to the advertiser in exchange for revenue.

In an embodiment, a system for delivering location specific informationof a venue to a guest at the venue includes a venue app, containing thelocation specific information, available for download to a portablemedia device of the guest, and comprising machine readable instructionsexecutable by a processor of the portable media device, and a wirelesstag having a location indicator associated with a location of the tagwithin the venue. If the portable media device downloads and executesthe venue app to receive the location indicator from the tag, the venueapp displays, based upon the location indicator, the location specificinformation on the portable media device.

In an embodiment, a method for delivering information to a guest at avenue includes configuring a web page that is addressable by a UniversalResource Locator (URL) stored within a wireless tag, with theinformation, receiving an access request to the URL from a portablemedia device that has read the URL from the tag, and sending the webpage to the portable media device for delivery to the guest.

In an embodiment, a method for providing a venue with wireless tag basedcommunication capability includes configuring a plurality of wirelesstags with digital content that is specific to the venue, wherein each ofthe wireless tags is capable of transmitting the digital content to aportable media device, and installing the wireless tags at the venue.

In an embodiment, a method for providing information services to guestsof a venue that has wireless tags installed therein includes configuringa server with information that corresponds to digital content stored onone or more of the wireless tags, and upon receiving a request from aportable media device that receives the digital content from one of thewireless tags, downloading the information to the portable media device.

In an embodiment, a method for a venue operator to enhance customerexperience of guests at a venue includes providing information of thevenue to a media provider, and granting the media provider access to thevenue to install wireless tags with a physical display of theinformation within the venue, the wireless tags storing digital contentthat the guests can access through a portable media device to displayfurther information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary wireless system for delivering information toa guest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method for deliveringinformation to a guest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows one exemplary wireless system for delivering advertisements(ads) to a guest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows one exemplary wireless system for presenting a survey to aguest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows one exemplary wireless system for providing updatedinformation to a guest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows one exemplary wireless system for collecting contactinformation of a guest entering a competition, in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows one exemplary wireless system for automatically updating asocial networking server, in an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows one exemplary wireless system for uploading a photograph ofa guest at a venue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a media display system installed on a ski-lift chair,in an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows one exemplary wireless system for tracking a guest at avenue, in an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows one exemplary enhanced short range tag with a processor, ashort range wireless interface, a battery, a memory, a video clip, anaudio clip, and a coupon, in an embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows one exemplary system for providing bulk advertisingmaterial to a portable communication device, in an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates typical business relationships among entities thatmay be involved in installing and operating wireless tag communicationapplications for a venue.

FIG. 14 shows one exemplary system for automatically directing aportable communication device to a venue page that is available only toguests at a venue, in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following embodiments, the described portable media devices mayrepresent a smart phone (e.g., Blackberry® Torch, Nokia® 700, Samsung®S5230, that include near-field communication (NFC) tag readingcapability, APPLE® IPHONE® that includes Bluetooth 4.0 and/or NFC tagreading capabilities, and so on) or any other mobile device equippedwith short range wireless communication capability and optionally withnetwork (e.g., Internet) communication capability.

As used herein, a “wireless tag” means any of an NFC tag, an RFID tag, aBluetooth device or other device that can be integrated with otherobjects and can interface wirelessly with a portable media device. Also,as used herein, for a portable media device to “interface” with awireless tag means that when such device and tag are brought intoproximity with one another, at least one of the device and the tagwirelessly transmits information to the other. In one embodiment, aportable media device emits a short range radio signal, from which anNFC tag collects power and responds by emitting a response signalcontaining digital information that is received by the portable mediadevice. In another embodiment, a Bluetooth tag detects a short rangeradio signal emitted by a portable media device and responds by sendinga response signal containing digital information that is received by theportable media device.

In the following examples and embodiments, servers may represent one ormore computers that include a memory, a processor, and that have networkcapability.

As used herein, a “venue” is any building or indoor or outdoor facilitythat is generally operated by an operator of the venue on a public orprivate basis, and to which guests may come for entertainment, shopping,transportation and/or recreational purposes. Examples of a venue includebut are not limited to stadiums, arenas, ballparks, theaters,amphitheaters, parks, recreational areas, gymnasiums, arcades, icerinks, bowling alleys, stores, shopping centers, airports, trainstations, bus terminals, truck stops, marinas, restaurants, resorts,amusement parks and ski resorts. Also, as used herein, a “guest” at avenue is used to mean any person at the venue, e.g., “guests” includebut are not limited to paying or nonpaying customers, employees, owners,managers, contract workers, concessionaires, maintenance workers,drivers, pilots and so forth.

As used herein, an “app” is a software product that includesinstructions, that is downloaded (installed) onto a portable mediadevice and executed by a processor thereof to provide functionalityspecific to a particular venue and/or functionality specific to wirelesstags. For example, APPLE® provides an app store from where apps may bedownloaded to, installed on, and executed on an IPHONE®. Apps may bedeveloped and made available for download by entities described herein,such as advertiser 1302, venue operator 1304, IT provider 1308 and/ormedia provider 1310 (see FIG. 13), or may be publicly available fromother sources. Typically, a portable media device includes memory intowhich an app may be downloaded, and a processor that executes the app.The memory can for example be nonvolatile (e.g., nontransitory) memory.

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary wireless system 100 for deliveringinformation 102 to a guest 104 at a venue 106. Information 102 mayinclude information pertaining to the venue 106. System 100 includes awireless server 108, a venue server 110, and a wireless tag 112.Wireless server 108 is connected to, and accessible via, a network 120.Network 120 is for example one or more of a local area network, a widearea network, and the Internet. Optionally, venue server 110 may alsoconnect to the network 120, or may be in direct communication (e.g.,connected on a local network) with wireless server 108. In oneembodiment, functionality of wireless server 108 and venue server 110are co-located and/or combined into a single server. Information 102 maybe stored within a database 118 of venue server 110, for example.

Wireless tag 112 is positioned within venue 106 and accessible by guest104. For example, tag 112 is positioned on a poster 114 to make itvisible to guest 104. Poster 114 may display information of the venue,instructions for using tag 112, or other information, and may indicatethe presence and location of tag 112 to guest 104. Wireless tag 112 maybe positioned elsewhere within venue 106, such as on a large formatsignage, on a bar or on trays at a venue restaurant, on tables at thevenue, on the cups used for drinking at the venue, on the lift ticket,on promotional material handed out at the venue, on ski racks, on skisrented at venue, and on room keys at the venue.

Wireless tag 112 includes digital content 113 stored therein, andwireless tag 112 transmits transmit digital content 113 upon access byguest 104 as discussed below. In an embodiment, digital content 113includes a Universal Resource Locator (URL), a character string thatspecifies where a known resource is available on a network (e.g., theInternet) and the mechanism for retrieving it. In such an embodiment,tag 112 includes at least one URL (e.g., within digital content 113)that identifies a web page 116 hosted by wireless server 108. Wirelessserver 108 communicates with venue server 110, via network 120 forexample, to retrieve information 102 from database 118 for inclusionwithin web page 116. In other embodiments, digital content 113 mayinclude digital video, audio, text and/or image information, parametersfor applications that may be utilized by guest 104, and/or informationthat includes a location identifier (e.g., see location ID 815, FIG. 8)of wireless tag 112, instead of or in addition to a URL, as describedbelow. In embodiments, digital content 113 may include or link to (e.g.,through a URL) information specific to the venue, information related toan advertiser, public service information, or any combination of suchinformation, as discussed below. One such combination of information isa link to a web page that includes knowledge of a location identifier,that is, a URL that accesses a web page wherein when the web page openson the portable media device, it is customized with information of aspecific location identifier.

Guest 104 has a portable media device 122 that may have networkcapability (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with awireless Internet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes awireless reader 124 for reading tag 112 when in close proximity (e.g.,within about 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 104places device 122 in close proximity to tag 112, whereupon device 122automatically reads a URL as digital content 113 from wireless tag 112,connects to web page 116, and receives information 102. In otherexamples of operation, when guest 104 places device 122 in closeproximity to tag 112, device 122 automatically reads digital video,audio, text and/or image information as digital content 113 from tag112, and displays corresponding video, audio, text and/or images throughdevice 122. In yet another example of operation, when guest 104 placesdevice 122 in close proximity to tag 112, device 122 automatically readsparameters that may be utilized by applications running on device 122,as digital content 113 from tag 112.

Wireless tag 112 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where venue 106 is a ski resort, tag 112 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and poster 114 represents one or moreof a map, an advertisement, and resort information displayed on arestraining bar of the chair. In another example, where venue 106 is aski resort, tag 112 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort and poster 114 represents one or more of amap, an advertisement, and resort information displayed within thecabin. In another example, where venue 106 is an amusement park and themobility device is a ride, tag 112 is mounted within reach of guest 104while seated in the ride. In another example, venue 106 represents asports stadium and tag 112 is mounted within reach of guest 104 whileseated in the stadium. When tag 112 is mounted on a mobility device orwithin reach of a specific seat at a venue, digital content 113 mayinclude a location indicator associated with a specific location of tag112. For example, chairs of ski lifts are often numbered, whereupon atag associated with a specific chair may include a location indicatorthat identifies the chair by ski lift and by number of the chair. Inanother example, digital content 113 may include a location indicatorassociated with a section, row and seat number.

In one embodiment, information 102 is one or more of: slope groominginformation, ski lift openings and closures, ski lift wait times,weather information, restaurant information, special promotions,specific coupons, event information, venue calendar, instructionalmessages, invitation to complete survey, link to venue app download,lift ticket purchase, terrain opening and closure, subscription to venueelectronic mail (“email”) or text communications, and registration toenter a promotion.

In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 108, poster 114 andwireless tag 112 of system 100 is provided as a service to venue 106 inexchange for revenue. Venue 106 provides server 110 and information 102to wireless server 108 together with information for display on poster114. In one example, poster 114 and wireless tag 112 are provided for afirst fee and each access to web page 116 resulting from device 122reading tag 112 accrues a second fee.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method 200 fordelivering information 102 to a guest 104 at a venue 106. Method 200 isfor example implemented at least in part within wireless server 108 ofsystem 100.

Step 202 is optional. If included in step 202, method 200 configures awireless tag with a URL as digital content 113. In one example of step202, wireless tag 112 is programmed using a wireless tag writer to storethe URL as digital content 113. In step 204, method 200 configures a webpage addressable by the URL. In one example of step 204, wireless server108 configures web page 116 to be addressable by the URL. In step 206,method 200 retrieves information. In one example of step 206, wirelessserver 108 retrieves information 102 from database 118 of venue server110. In step 208, method 200 includes the venue information on the webpage. In one example of step 208, wireless server 108 includesinformation 102 on web page 116. In step 210, method 200 receives anaccess request to the web page from a portable media device that hasread the URL from the wireless tag. In one example of step 210, wirelessserver 108 receives an access request to web page 116 from portablemedia device 122 when portable media device 122 reads the URL as digitalcontent 113 from tag 112. In step 212, method 200 sends the web page tothe portable media device. In one example of step 210, wireless server108 sends web page 116 to portable media device 122.

Steps 210 and 212 repeat for each access request received. Further,steps 206 and 208 may repeat periodically or whenever information 102 ischanged. In one embodiment, wireless server 108 updates web page 116based upon report information 102 of report server 110. The order ofsteps within method 200 may change without departing from the scopehereof. For example, step 202 may occur after step 204.

FIG. 3 shows one exemplary wireless system 300 for deliveringadvertisements (ads) 302 to a guest 304 at a venue 306. System 300includes at least one wireless tag 312 and a wireless server 308 incommunication with an advertisement (ad) server 310. Wireless server 308is connected to, and accessible via, a network 320. Network 320 is forexample one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, andthe Internet. Ad server 310 connects to network 320 to communicate withwireless server 308. In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server308 and ad server 310 are co-located and/or combined into a singleserver. Ads 302 may be stored within an ad database 318 within ad server310, for example.

Wireless tag 312 is positioned within venue 306 and accessible by guest304. In the example of FIG. 3, tag 312(1) is positioned on a display314(1) and tag 312(2) is positioned on a display 314(2) and theirpresence may be indicated to guest 304. Displays 314 may provide venueinformation, may represent paid ads, or may represent ads associatedwith venue 306. Display 314 may include instructions for using tag 312,and may indicate the presence and location of tag 312 to guest 304.

In the example of FIG. 3, tag 312(1) includes at least one URL 313(1)that identifies a web page 316(1) hosted by wireless server 308, and tag312(2) includes at least one URL 313(2) that identifies a web page316(2) hosted by wireless server 308. Wireless server 308 communicateswith ad server 310, via network 320 for example, to retrieve ads 302from ad database 318 for inclusion within web page 316.

Guest 304 has a portable media device 322 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 324 for reading a wireless tag 312 when in close proximity (e.g.,within about 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 304places device 322 in close proximity to tag 312(1) whereupon device 322automatically reads digital content 313(1) that includes a URL fromwireless tag 312(1), connects to web page 316(1) designated by the URL,and receives ad 302(1).

Wireless tag 312 may be attached to static items, such as displays orseats, or may be attached to mobility devices for moving people withinthe venue. In one example, where venue 306 is a ski resort, a display314 is mounted on a restraining bar of a chair of a ski lift at theresort and may include a map, resort information, and paidadvertisements. Tag 312 is mounted on the chair or within display 314;in particular, tag 312 may be mounted with an advertisement of display314 (e.g., tag 312 may be within or adjacent to the advertisement). Inanother example, where venue 306 is a ski resort, tag 312 is mounted onor proximate display 314 within a cabin of a gondola lift or a shuttlebus at the resort. In another example, where venue 306 is an amusementpark and the mobility device is a ride, tag 312 is mounted within reachof guest 304 while seated in the ride. In another example, venue 306represents a sports stadium and tag 312 is mounted within reach of guest304 while seated in the stadium.

In one embodiment, tags 312 are associated with contents of display 314and digital content 313 stored within the tags identify ads 302 selectedfor display in association with the contents. That is, web page 316(1)addressed by the URL in digital content 313(1) has one or more selectedads 302(1) associated with display 314(1). In another embodiment, tags312 contain the same digital content 313 (i.e., URLs contained indigital content 313(1) and 313(2) are the same) and one web page 316selects random or time specific advertisements from ad database 318 fordisplay to guest 304. That is, the displayed ads 302 are notspecifically associated with display 314.

In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 308, displays 314and wireless tags 312 of system 300 is provided as a service to anadvertiser in exchange for revenue. The advertiser provides ad server310 and ads 302 to wireless server 308 together with information fordisplay on displays 314. In one example, displays 314 and wireless tags312 are provided for a first fee and each delivered ad 302 to device 322as a result of device 322 reading one tag 312 accrues a second fee.Further fees may be generated by arrangements wherein an advertiser paysfor information of guest 304 and/or the guest's portable media device322; for example, fees may become due when guest 304 indicates interestin an advertisement by selecting related web pages accessible throughthe URL, by entering an email address, phone number or other contactinformation for follow up by an advertiser, etc. as discussed furtherbelow. Information of guest 304, as well as statistics that summarizethe number and times that portable media devices 322 accessed wirelesstags 312, may be referred to herein as utilization information.

In one example of operation, guest 304 sees display 314(2) and operatesdevice 322 to read tag 312(2). Device 322 automatically retrieves ad302(2) from ad server 310 and displays the contents of ad 302(2) toguest 304. Ad 302(2) includes a button that, upon selection by guest304, automatically confirms purchase of the advertised product of ad302(2). In one embodiment, guest 304 configures device 322 toautomatically provide contact information of guest 304 to anadvertiser's web page when device 322 reads a certain type of tag 312.For example, tags 312 may include a characterization value withindigital content 313 that characterizes the type of information (e.g.,advertisement, venue information, coupon, and so on) provided by thetag. Guest 304 may configure device 322 to automatically provide contactinformation of guest 304 to a web page associated with a scanned tag ofa selected type. For example, guest 304 may configure device 322 toautomatically provide contact information to apparel advertisers whentheir tag 312 is scanned by device 322. The advertisers may then followup with guest 304 regarding the advertised product. In anotherembodiment, device 322 is configured with a monetary value (e.g., linkedto a financial account or preloaded with a cash value) such that whenguest 304 reads tag 313(2), device 322 automatically authorizes paymentand/or delivery of the advertised product to an address also configuredwithin device 322.

FIG. 4 shows one exemplary wireless system 400 for presenting a survey402 to a guest 404 at a venue 406. System 400 includes at least onewireless tag 412 and a wireless server 408. Wireless server 408 isconnected to, and accessible via, a network 420. Network 420 is forexample on or more of a local area network, and wide area network, andthe Internet. A survey server 410 is also connected to the network 420,and may also be in direct communication (e.g., connected on a localnetwork) with wireless server 408. In one embodiment, functionality ofwireless server 408 and survey server 410 are co-located and/or combinedinto a single server. Survey 402 and associated responses from guest 404may be stored within a survey database 418 within survey server 410, forexample.

Wireless tag 412 is positioned within venue 406 and accessible by guest404. In the example of FIG. 4, tag 412(1) is positioned on a display 414and the presence of tag 412 may be indicated to guest 404. Display 414may provide venue information, may represent paid ads, may represent adsassociated with venue 406, and may contain other information. Display414 may include instructions for using tag 412, and may indicate thepresence and location of tag 412 to guest 404.

In the example of FIG. 4, tag 412 includes digital content 413,including at least one URL that identifies a web page 416 hosted bywireless server 408. Web page 416 contains a redirect 417 that redirectsany accessing client to at least one survey web page 432 hosted bysurvey server 410. Survey web page 432 presents a survey 434 with whicha viewer may interact.

Guest 404 has a portable media device 422 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 424 for reading tag 412 when in close proximity (e.g., withinabout 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 404 placesdevice 422 in close proximity to tag 412 whereupon device 422automatically reads digital content 413 from wireless tag 412, connectsto web page 416, gets redirected to survey web page 432, and receivessurvey 434 therefrom.

Wireless tag 412 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where venue 406 is a ski resort, tag 412 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and display 414 is mounted on arestraining bar of the chair and may include a map, resort information,and paid advertisements. In another example, where venue 406 is a skiresort, display 414 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort. In another example, where venue 406 is anamusement park, tag 412 is mounted within reach of guest 404 whileseated in a ride. In another example, venue 406 represents a sportsstadium and tag 412 is mounted with reach of guest 404 while seated inthe stadium.

In one embodiment, guest 404 is enticed to complete (through interactionwith survey server 410) survey 434 by offer of a reward coupon 436 uponcompletion of the survey. Reward coupon 436 is for example a coupon foruse at venue 406, such as one of a discount at a shop, a discount at arestaurant, a lift discount, and so on. Where display 414 and tag 412are mounted on a safety bar of a chair of a chair lift at a ski resort,survey completion is likely in view of the captive nature of guest 404when riding the chair.

In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 408, display 414 andwireless tag 412 of system 400 is provided as a service to venue 406 inexchange for revenue. Survey server 110 may be provided by a thirdparty, or may optionally be provided as part of the functionality ofsystem 400 in exchange for revenue. In one example, display 414 andwireless tag 412 are provided for a first fee and each access to webpage 416 resulting in completion of survey 434 by guest 404 accrues anadditional second fee. Information uploaded from portable media devices422, such as survey responses and/or contact information of guests 404,as well as statistics that summarize the number and times that portablemedia devices 422 accessed wireless tags 412, may also be referred toherein as utilization information.

FIG. 5 shows one exemplary wireless system 500 for providing updatedinformation 502 to a guest 504 at a venue 506. System 500 includes atleast one wireless tag 512 and a wireless server 508. Wireless server508 is connected to, and accessible via, a network 520. Network 520 isfor example one or more of a local area network, a wide area network,and the Internet. A venue server 510 may also connect to the network520, and may also be in direct communication (e.g., connected on a localnetwork) with wireless server 508. In one embodiment, functionality ofwireless server 508 and venue server 510 are co-located and/or combinedinto a single server. Information update 502 may be stored within adatabase 518 within venue server 510, for example

Wireless tag 512 is positioned within venue 506 and is accessible byguest 504. In the example of FIG. 5, tag 512 is positioned on a display514 and the presence of tag 512 may be indicated to guest 504. Display514 may provide venue information, may represent paid ads, may representads associated with venue 506, and may contain other information.Display 514 may include instructions for using tag 512, and may indicatethe presence and location of tag 512 to guest 504.

In the example of FIG. 5, tag 512 includes digital content 513 includingat least one URL that identifies a web page 516 hosted by wirelessserver 508 and a location ID 517 that identifies a location of tag 512within venue 506. Web page 516 may include information update 502,retrieved from database 518 or may include a redirect to thatinformation.

Guest 504 has a portable media device 522 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 524 for reading tag 512 when in close proximity (e.g., withinabout 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 504 placesdevice 522 in close proximity to tag 512 whereupon device 522automatically reads digital content 513 and location ID 517 fromwireless tag 512. In one embodiment, portable media device 522automatically connects to web page 516 to retrieve information update502, and may determine and display to guest 504 a location of guest 504within venue 506 based upon location ID 517. In another embodiment,where a venue app 526, installed on portable media device 522, includesa list of locations within venue 506 that is indexed by location ID 517,venue app 526 automatically determines the location of guest 504 basedupon location ID 517 read from tag 512. Specifically, tag 512 ispositioned at a location within venue 506 corresponding to location ID517 programmed within tag 512.

Wireless tag 512 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where venue 506 is a ski resort, tag 512 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and display 514 is mounted on arestraining bar of the chair and may include a map, resort information,and paid advertisements. In another example, where venue 506 is a skiresort, display 514 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort. In another example, where venue 506 is anamusement park, tag 512 is mounted within reach of guest 504 whileseated in a ride. In another example, venue 506 represents a sportsstadium and tag 512 is mounted with reach of guest 504 while seated inthe stadium.

In one embodiment, functionality of system 500 is provided to venue 506in exchange for revenue. Display 514 and wireless tag 512 are providedfor a first fee, and each access to web page 516 resulting from device522 reading tag 512 accrues an additional second fee.

FIG. 6 shows one exemplary wireless system 600 for collecting contactinformation of a guest 604 entering a competition 602. System 600includes at least one wireless tag 612 and a wireless server 608.Wireless server 608 is connected to, and accessible via, a network 620.Network 620 is for example one or more of a local area network, a widearea network, and the Internet. A competition server 610 provides acompetition web page 630, connects to the network 620, and may also bein direct communication (e.g., connected on a local network) withwireless server 608. In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server608 and competition server 610 are co-located and/or combined into asingle server. In one example, competition 602 is open to guests at aski resort (e.g., venue 106 of FIG. 1). In another example, competition602 is open to guests at a stadium.

Optionally, wireless tag 612 is positioned within competition area 606that limits entry to competition 602 to guests located within area 606.In the example of FIG. 6, tag 612 is positioned on a display 614 and thepresence of tag 612 may be indicated to guest 604 thereon. Display 614for example provides competition information and may contain paid adsand other information. In one example, competition is a prize draw. Inone embodiment, display 614 includes instructions for enteringcompetition 602 using tag 612, and may indicate the presence andlocation of tag 612 to guest 604.

In the example of FIG. 6, tag 612 includes digital content 613 thatincludes at least one URL that identifies a web page 616 hosted bywireless server 608. Web page 616 may include conditions 617 associatedwith competition 602, or may include a link to such information, and anaccept button 619 that guest 604 may click on to indicate acceptance ofconditions 617, whereupon wireless server 608 stores guest agreement626, or an indication thereof, in a contact database 618.

Guest 604 has a portable media device 622 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 624 for reading tag 612 when in close proximity (e.g., withinabout 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 604 placesdevice 622 in close proximity to tag 612 whereupon device 622automatically reads the URL included in digital content 613 fromwireless tag 612, and automatically connects to web page 616 indicatedby the URL, to retrieve conditions 617.

Wireless tag 612 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where area 606 is a ski resort, tag 612 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and display 614 is mounted on arestraining bar of the chair and may include a map, resort information,and paid advertisements. In another example, where area 606 is a skiresort, display 614 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort. In another example, where area 606 is anamusement park, tag 612 is mounted within reach of guest 604 seated in aride. In another example, area 606 represents a sports stadium and tag612 is mounted with reach of guest 604 seated in the stadium.

Guest 604 indicates acceptance of conditions 617 by clicking on acceptbutton 619 of wireless web page 616 whereupon contact info 634 of guest604 is transferred to wireless server 608 and stored within contactdatabase 618 together with guest agreement 626.

Conditions 617 may include an agreement for use of contact information634 for purposes of advertisement wherein information within contactdatabase 618 may be sold to advertising companies. Guest 604 has anincentive to agree to conditions 617 to be able to enter competition602. In one example, competition 602 is a prize draw with a prize of anew car, where accepting conditions 617 provides entry to thecompetition. Within a stadium, tags 612 may be located in seat-specificlocations such as armrests, facing walls, and at the back of facingseats, or in common areas such as concessions, walkways and restroomssuch that each guest 604 may utilize tag 614 to enter competition 602when prompted.

In one embodiment, two tags 612 are used for responding to surveys orother questions, wherein a first of the two tags 612 indicates “yes” anda second of the two tags 612 indicates “no”.

In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 608, display 614,and wireless tag 612 are provided as a service to a third party inexchange for revenue. Optionally, functionality of competition server610 is provided to the third party in exchange for revenue. Display 614and tag 612 are provided for a first fee and each received guestagreement 626 and contact information 634 pair accrues an additional feefrom the third party. In one embodiment, where competition server 610 isincluded within system 600, cost of prizes for competition 602 is paidfor from service fees. Information uploaded from portable media devices622, such as competition entries, guest agreement 626 and/or contactinformation 634 of guests 604, as well as statistics that summarize thenumber and times that portable media devices 622 accessed wireless tags612, may also be referred to herein as utilization information.

In one embodiment, wireless tags (e.g., NFC tags and Bluetooth tags) arepositioned at strategic locations around a venue and configured suchthat a first tag contains location information of a second tag, which inturn contains location information of a third tag, and so on. Thelocation information may be in the form of clues that must be decipheredto determine an actual location of the next wireless tag. These wirelesstags thereby provided a trail for a treasure hunt within the venue. Eachtag may include other instructions (e.g., photograph yourself next tothe blue kiosk viewable from this location) that results in the playercollecting evidence of following and finding each wireless tag. In oneexample, advertising may also be included within, or associated with,each wireless tag such that the player is exposed to such advertisingwhen following the trail. In one embodiment, each tag includes a URL toa web page that includes the location information.

FIG. 7 shows one exemplary wireless system 700 for automaticallyupdating a social networking server 710. System 700 includes at leastone wireless tag 712 and a wireless server 708. Wireless server 708 isconnected to, and accessible via, the network 720. A social networkserver 710 is for example a Facebook server that provides a status of auser based upon input by the user and by others. For example, socialnetwork server 710 may provide an advertiser page 740 that indicatespopularity of the advertiser and a location 742 that provides popularityof the location. Social network server 710 connects to network 720 andmay also be in direct communication (e.g., connected on a local network)with wireless server 708. In one embodiment, functionality of wirelessserver 608 and social network server 710 are co-located and/or combinedinto a single server.

Wireless tag 712 is positioned within venue 706 and is accessible byguest 704. In the example of FIG. 7, tag 712 is positioned on a display714 and the presence of tag 712 may be indicated to guest 704 thereon.In one embodiment, display 714 is an advertisement associated withadvertiser page 740 and tag 712 includes digital content 713, includinga URL that identifies wireless web page 716 hosted by wireless server708. Web page 716 includes a “like” button 734 that, when selected byguest 704, indicates that guest 704 likes the advertised product. Inanother embodiment, display 714 identifies a location 742 and digitalcontent 713 of tag 712 includes a URL that identifies wireless web page716. Web page 716 contains a “check-in” button 736 that allows guest 704to automatically check into location 742 within social network server710.

Guest 704 has a portable media device 722 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 724 for reading tag 712 when in close proximity (e.g., withinabout 8 inches) thereto. Device 722 also includes a social networkidentity 732 of guest 704 in association with social network server 710.In one example of operation, guest 704 places device 722 in closeproximity to tag 712 whereupon device 722 automatically reads digitalcontent 713, including a URL, from wireless tag 712 and automaticallyconnects to web page 716 corresponding to the URL. Guest 704 thenselects (clicks on) like button 734 which sends social network identity732 of guest 704 to social network server 710 (optionally via wirelessserver 708) together with an indication of advertiser page 740 such thatguest 704 automatically likes the advertised product. In one embodiment,like button 734 is selected automatically such that guest 704 may “like”the product on display 714 by simply placing portable media device 722proximate tag 712.

In another example of operation, guest 704 places device 722 proximatetag 712 to automatically “check-in” to a location associated withdisplay 714, whereupon wireless server 708 automatically receives socialnetwork identity 732 of guest 704 from device 722 and initiates“check-in” to location 742 of guest 704.

Wireless tag 712 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where venue 706 is a ski resort, tag 712 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and display 714 is mounted on arestraining bar of the chair and may include a map, resort information,and paid advertisements. In another example, where venue 706 is a skiresort, display 714 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort. In another example, where venue 706 is anamusement park, tag 712 is mounted within reach of guest 704 seated in aride. In another example, venue 706 represents a sports stadium and tag712 is mounted with reach of guest 704 seated in the stadium.

In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 708, display 714,and wireless tag 712 of system 700 are provided to venue 706 forfinancial reward. Display 714 and wireless tag 712 are provided for afirst fee to venue 706. Each “like” of advertiser page 740 accrues anadditional fee to an owner of page 740. Information uploaded fromportable media devices 722, such as information about social mediaparticipation and/or contact information of guests 704, as well asstatistics that summarize the number and times that portable mediadevices 722 accessed wireless tags 712, may also be referred to hereinas utilization information.

FIG. 8 shows one exemplary wireless system 800 for uploading aphotograph 802 of a guest 804 at a venue 806. System 800 includes atleast one wireless tag 812 and a wireless server 808. Wireless server808 is connected to, and accessible via, the network 820. A venue server810 may also connect to the network 820, and may also be in directcommunication (e.g., connected on a local network) with wireless server808. In one embodiment, functionality of wireless server 808 and venueserver 810 are co-located and/or combined into a single server.

Wireless tag 812 is positioned within venue 806 and is accessible byguest 804. In the example of FIG. 8, tag 812 is positioned on a display814 and the presence of tag 812 may be indicated to guest 804. Display814 may provide venue information, may represent paid ads, may representads associated with venue 806, and may contain other information.Display 814 may include instructions for using tag 812, and may indicatethe presence and location of tag 812 to guest 804.

In the example of FIG. 8, tag 812 includes digital content 813 includingat least one URL that identifies a web page 816 hosted by wirelessserver 808 and a location ID 815 that identifies a location of tag 812within venue 806. Web page 816 may include an upload script 817 foruploading a photograph 802 to a picture database 818 of venue server810.

Guest 804 has a portable media device 822 that has network capability(e.g., a mobile phone or tablet device that cooperates with a wirelessInternet connection and/or a cell phone carrier) and includes a wirelessreader 824 for reading tag 812 when in close proximity (e.g., withinabout 8 inches) thereto. In one example of operation, guest 804 placesdevice 822 in close proximity to tag 812 whereupon device 822automatically reads digital content 813 and location ID 815 fromwireless tag 812. Portable media device 822 automatically connects toweb page 816 corresponding to a URL within digital content 813, andexecutes upload script 817 to transfer photograph 802 from device 822 topicture database 818, and associate therewith a location based uponlocation ID 815.

Wireless tag 812 may be attached to static items, such as displays, ormay be attached to mobility devices for moving people within the venue.In one example, where venue 806 is a ski resort, tag 812 is mounted on achair of a ski lift at the resort and display 814 is mounted on arestraining bar of the chair and may include a map, resort information,and paid advertisements. In another example, where venue 806 is a skiresort, display 814 is mounted within a cabin of a gondola lift orshuttle bus at the resort. In another example, where venue 806 is anamusement park, tag 812 is mounted within reach of guest 804 whileseated in a ride. In another example, venue 806 represents a sportsstadium and tag 812 is mounted with reach of guest 804 while seated inthe stadium.

FIG. 9 illustrates a media display system 902 installed on a ski-liftchair 900. Chair 900 is suspended from cable 910, and has a restraintbar 920 shown in a “down” position. In FIG. 9, a frontward (F) andrearward (R) direction are indicated by a short, dashed arrow, and anupward (U) and downward (D) direction are indicated by a longer dashedarrow that is approximately parallel to a pole 930 that suspends chair900. Restraint bar 920 may also assume an “up” position by rotating itin the direction of arrow 950 about one or more pivots 940. A rider ofchair 900 typically boards the chair with restraint bar 920 in the “up”position, and once chair 900 lifts the rider off the ground, the riderpulls restraint bar 920 into the “down” position shown. It isappreciated that chair 900 and restraint bar 920 may take differingforms, or mount with one another differently, as compared to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 9 without departing from the scope hereof.Media display system 902 is shown with exemplary tags 912(1), 912(2) and912(3) positioned thereon to allow a rider of chair 900 (i.e., a guestof the venue) to utilize tags 912 during transport. Tags 912(1) and912(3) are positioned within ad displays of media display system 902 andtag 912(2) is positioned within a map display of media display system902. Media display system 902 may be utilized with any one or more ofsystems 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 of FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,and 8, respectively.

FIG. 10 shows one exemplary wireless system 1000 for tracking a guest1004 at a venue. In the example of FIG. 10, a first wireless tag 1012(1)is located between a patrolled area 1060 to an un-patrolled area 1062 ata transition location 1064. Optionally, a second wireless tag 1012(2) islocated at an exit location 1066 of the unpatrolled area 1062. Patrolledarea 1060 may represent groomed slopes at a ski resort that areregularly patrolled by ski-patrol and unpatrolled area 1062 mayrepresent an off-piste area at the ski resort that is not patrolled bythe ski patrol. In another example, patrolled area 1060 represents atrail head and unpatrolled area 1062 represents one or more trailedareas leading from that trail head.

A wireless server 1008 is configured with a web page 1016 that includesa logging script 1017. Wireless server 1008 also includes a database1018 for storing information logged by script 1017.

Each tag 1012 is similar to tag 112 and is programmed with a URL thatidentifies web page 1016.

Guest 1004 has a portable media device 1022 that has capability foraccessing the network 1020 (e.g., via WiFi or via a mobile carrier) andincludes (or couples with) a wireless reader 1024. Device 1022 alsoincludes identification information 1052 that identifies guest 1004.Identification information (ID) 1052 is for example a mobile phonenumber of device 1022, or other identifying information that allowsguest 1004 to be contacted and/or traced.

In one example of operation, guest 1004 uses device 1022 to read tag1012(1) when passing from patrolled area 1060 into unpatrolled area 1062at location 1064. Device 1022 uses wireless reader 1024 to read a URLfrom tag 1012(1) and then accesses wireless web page 1016 thatcorresponds to the URL, via network 1020. Script 1017 interacts withguest 1004 via device 1022 and receives ID 1052 from device 1022.wireless server 1008 stores ID 1052 within database 1018, together witha current check-in time 1054.

Guest 1004 then passes through unpatrolled area 1062 and emerges backinto patrolled area 1060 at location 1066, where device 1022 is used toread the URL from tag 1012(2). Device 1022 then accesses wireless webpage 1016, where logging script 1017 notes the check out time 1056within database 1018.

Database 1018 may be automatically searched at the end of each day toidentify a guest that has checked in but has not checked out. Contactattempts may be initiated to the identified guest, and if it is notdetermined that the identified guest has exited unpatrolled area 1062, arescuer 1070 may be called to search for the missing guest. Rescuer 1070may also utilize a portable media device 1042 to access additionalinformation of database 1018 that may facilitate rescue of the guest. Inone example, ID 1052 identifies guest 1004 within additional databasesthat provide additional information on the itinerary and abilities ofguest 1004 that may facilitate the search and rescue.

FIG. 11 shows one exemplary enhanced short range wireless tag 1100 witha processor 1102, a short range wireless interface 1104, a power storagedevice 1106, a memory 1108 that may store one or more of advertisinginformation 1120, a video clip 1122, an audio clip 1124, and a coupon1126. Power storage device 1106 may be, for example, a battery or acapacitor, and provides power to processor 1102, interface 1104 andmemory 1108. Processor 1102 and interface 1104 may implement an NFCprotocol or a Bluetooth protocol. In one example, processor 1102 andinterface 1104 are implemented as a chipset with Bluetooth 4.0capability. Processor 1102 and interface 1104 may implement otherwireless protocols without departing from the scope hereof. Tag 1100thereby forms an active tag that may implement faster communicationprotocols and communicate larger amounts of information as compared to apassive NFC tag, for example.

Optionally, power storage device 1106 is a rechargeable battery and tag1100 further includes an energy harvester 1130 that harvests energy fromone or more ambient energy sources (e.g., solar, radio wave, thermal) tocharge power storage device 1106 and/or power processor 1102, interface1104 and memory 1108 directly. Interface 1104 is for example a Bluetoothinterface for communicating with a portable communication device havingBluetooth capability, where in one or more of ad information 1120, video1122, audio 1124, and coupon 1126 may be transferred to the portablecommunication device.

Where tag 1100 supports the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol, tag 1100 isadvantageously low powered while providing storage and transfercapabilities that exceed those of NFC tags. Further, Bluetooth 4.0,which is already being incorporated into portable communication devicessuch as the Apple iPhone 4S, may communicate with other devices (e.g.,tags) without the hassle of pairing, as with earlier versions ofBluetooth. Thus, tag 1100 may operate in a similar, but advanced, way toconventional NFC tags.

FIG. 12 shows one exemplary system 1200 for providing bulk advertisingmaterial, such as for example video 1212 and/or audio 1214, to aportable communication device 1220. System 1200 includes a wireless tag1202 that stores protocol data 1204 and an alternative wireless tag 1210that stores video 1212 and/or audio 1214. Protocol data 1204 definesparameters for configuring an alternative wireless interface 1224 ofportable communication device 1220 to communicate with wireless tag1210. Tags 1202 and 1210 are positioned close to one another, forexample.

In one example of operation, device 1220 is positioned proximatewireless tag 1202 such that a wireless reader 1222 of device 1220 readsprotocol data 1204 from tag 1202. Device 1220 then configures analternative wireless interface 1224 (e.g., a Bluetooth interface) forcommunicating with wireless tag 1210 (e.g., a Bluetooth based tag).Device 1220 may then transfer video 1212 and/or audio 1214 (or otherinformation stored within tag 1210) at a faster transfer rate supportedby tag 1210 than would be possible when communicating with wireless tag1202.

Contents of tag 1210 (e.g., video 1212 and/or audio 1214) may be updatedusing a programming device that includes a compatible wireless interface(e.g., Bluetooth).

Generating Revenue from Tags

FIG. 13 illustrates typical business relationships among entities thatmay be involved in installing and operating wireless tag communicationapplications for a venue. In FIG. 13, the business entities involved aredepicted as boxes, while arrows depict movement of physical goods,information or revenue. All instances of revenue transfer are denoted by$.

An advertiser 1302 is typically involved, because advertising or mediaexposure is a typical source of commercial value in such applications. Avenue operator 1304 is typically involved to at least provide approval1320 to advertiser 1302 to control what types of physical installations,and what kind of advertising, are permitted in the venue. Venue operator1304 may receive revenue from the advertiser. In certain embodiments, avenue operator may wish to install and operate wireless tag applicationsfor its own benefit, such as to provide information related solely tothe venue itself; in these embodiments all activities includingexchanges of revenue, described herein as being performed by advertiser1302 are considered herein as performed by the venue operator 1304.

Wireless tags are typically installed in the venue by a wireless taginstaller 1306, and web content, including websites that are accessiblethrough URLs provided by the wireless tags, are provided and maintainedby an information technology (IT) provider 1308. In certain embodiments,a single company, denoted herein as wireless media provider 1310, may beresponsible for both the installation of wireless tags and provision ofweb content, in these embodiments all activities including exchanges ofrevenue involving either wireless tag installer 1306 or IT provider 1308are considered herein as performed by the wireless media provider 1310.

To set up the wireless tag communication applications, wireless tags1325 are typically purchased by wireless tag installer 1306 from awireless tag manufacturer or distributor. Wireless tag installer 1306typically exchanges installation specifications 1330 with venue operator1304 to their mutual satisfaction. For example, venue operator 1304 maycommunicate the number and type of wireless tag installations (e.g.,seats, including moveable seats such as rides, chairlifts, gondolasetc.) that are required to serve the venue, and may set aesthetic orsafety constraints upon wireless tag installer 1306. Installer 1306 maypropose specifications that are standard for its usual installations, orthat are required to make the installed wireless tags work properly.

Advertiser 1302 and IT provider 1308 typically exchange information 1335to at least partially specify the number, type, content andfunctionality of the websites that will be addressable through wirelesstags 1325. Information 1335 may also involve wireless tag installer1306, when it is desired to coordinate website addressability with anumber of wireless tags at the venue, as noted above in connection withinstallation specifications 1330. For example, to identify a portablemedia device that interacts with a specific facility within a venue,such as a specific seating section, table or chairlift may requireequally specific information to be transmitted from the wireless tagsassociated therewith. Venue operator 1304 may also provide information1337 to IT provider 1308 to further specify the number, type, contentand functionality of the websites that will be addressable throughwireless tags 1325. Information 1337 may include time sensitiveinformation such as updates about specific features of the venue, offersthat are only available on a short term basis, weather forecast foroutdoor venues, snow conditions, etc.

Once the websites and URLs that can access the websites are defined, ITprovider 1308 provides the URLs or other digital content 1340 that is tobe provided in digital form on the wireless tags, to wireless taginstaller 1306. (In certain embodiments, URL or other digital content1340 is passed back to wireless tag manufacturer or distributor 1312,who provides wireless tags 1325 pre-programmed or configured withinformation 1340.) Wireless tags that are configured with the URL orother digital information required for a given installation are denotedas wireless tags 1345. Once tag installer 1306 has wireless tags 1345and has settled installation specifications 1330 with venue operator1304, tag installer installs wireless tags 1345 within the venue, andreceives revenue (either directly from advertiser 1302, or indirectly aspart of wireless media provider 1310). Installation of wireless tags1345 may include first integrating tags 1345 with other structure andthen installing the other structure within the venue. For example, tags1345 may first be integrated with armrests or seat backs forinstallation at a venue that includes individual seats, such as atheater or stadium. Alternatively, tags 1345 may first be integratedwith items that are particular to small groups being served at a venue,such as a table, a scoring desk of a bowling alley, or a media displaysystem that includes a ski area map, safety information and/oradvertising and is mounted on a chairlift or gondola.

In operation, IT provider 1308 provides information services through anetwork 1370 to and/or from guests 1350 at the venue, who accessinformation by causing their portable media devices 1355 to interactfirst with wireless tags 1345. The types of information servicesprovided are described elsewhere herein from a transactionalperspective, but two technology options are notable here: information1360 is downloaded from IT provider 1308 to portable media device 1355,while information 1365 is uploaded from device 1355 to IT provider 1308.Downloaded information 1360 may include, for example, Web based contentthat advertiser 1302 and/or venue operator 1304 find value in providingto guest 1350, even if the identity of the guest is not known toadvertiser 1302 or venue operator 1304. Such information may supportmany of the modalities described previously, such as providingadvertisements, permanent or updated information about the venue,discounts and giveaways, eligibility for participation in social media,etc. Other modalities, such as providing targeted advertising, “like”and “check-in” features, and requirements for guest permission oracceptance of terms, may be enabled by two-way information transfer. Insuch cases, portable media device 1355 downloads information 1360 fromIT provider 1308 and IT provider 1308 receives information 1365 backfrom device 1355.

IT provider 1308 may provide utilization information 1375 back toadvertiser 1302 and, optionally, to venue operator 1304. Utilizationinformation 1375 may include, for example, statistics about how manytimes portable media devices 1355 initiated contact to IT provide 1308through wireless tags 1345 (and which specific wireless tags 1345 wereused to initiate the contact), and accordingly, how many timesinformation 1360 was downloaded. Such statistics may be utilized as abasis for compensation provided by advertiser 1302 and/or venue operator1304 to IT provider 1308 or wireless media provider 1310. Utilizationinformation 1375 may also include information 1365 that is uploaded fromportable media devices 1355 through two-way information transfers,and/or statistics about information 1365. Such statistics and/orinformation may also be utilized as a basis for compensation provided byadvertiser 1302 and/or venue operator 1304 to IT provider 1308 orwireless media provider 1310.

In one business example, venue 106 of FIG. 1 pays a media company toprovide and display poster 114 with wireless tag 112, where tag 112 isprogrammed with digital content 113 including a URL to a web page of aserver (e.g., venue server 110) of venue 106.

In a further business model, the media company provides use of wirelessserver 108 for an additional charge that provides advertising and/orinformation 102 in association with digital content 113. Such charge maybe based upon, or an additional fee levied may be based upon, the numberof times the server is accessed as a result tag 112 being read bydevices (e.g., device 122). The media company may also charge formanaging the content of web pages, provided by the server.

Further to charging a fee for providing venue information to guests atthe venue, the media company may also provide paid advertising, wherethe advertiser pays an additional fee to the media company to have awireless tag incorporated with a poster display. The media company mayalso charge the advertiser an additional fee each time a guest accessesa URL associated with the fee. Optionally, where the wireless tag keepstrack of the number of times it is read, the media company may charge afee based upon this number.

Where the media company collects additional information from a guestaccessing a web page associated with a URL in the tag, that additionalinformation may be sold to the advertiser, or the advertiser may becharged to access that information.

In an alternative business model, the media company does not initiallycharge for displaying the advertising, but charges the advertiser foreach guest that access a web site associated with a URL within the tags,and receives a commission for each generated lead, a commission on eachproduct sold, or a fee if the guest submits personal data to theadvertiser.

Where the tag is linked to a social media network, the media company maycharge for each “Check in” or “like” generate by the guest throughinteraction with the tag. Where the tag promotes a brand directlythrough displayed digital content, or includes a URL that links to apromotion of a brand, the media company may charge a fee for each guestto which the digital content is displayed, or who accesses a Web page orenters a promotion by accessing the URL.

Where an advertisement associated with a tag is for real estate, eachlead generated when a guest accesses the tag may be sold to real estatebrokers as a list.

Where a tag is associated with an advertisement offering a sample of aproduct, consumer information may be collected using a web page accessedthrough an associated URL of the tag, and forwarded, for a fee, to theadvertiser. For example, guests that are interested in receiving asample of consumer goods, e.g., sun screen) read the tag to access a webpage where they enter their delivery address. The server sends theaddress to the advertiser, who sends a sample of the sun screen to theguest, wherein the media company receives a fee for each sample sent outby the advertiser as a result of the tag.

FIG. 14 shows one exemplary system 1400 for automatically directing aportable communication device 1412 to connect, via a network 1450, to avenue web page 1422 that is available only to guests located at a venue1402, and particularly where the guest has that have checked in usingtheir portable media device 1412 and an electronic ticket 1416 at avenue wireless reader 1404.

For example, venue web page 1422 may contain buttons 1424, 1426 thatallow guest 1410 to purchase (e.g., for shipment or download) media andproducts related to venue 1402 (or a band playing at the venue, forexample), or may allows guest 1410 to download free media while at venue1402. Venue web page 1422 may not be accessible to people not at venue1402, for example.

In one embodiment, venue web page 1422 contains free media downloadbutton 1428 that, when clicked by guest 1410, automatically downloads amedia file onto portable media device 1412. In another embodiment, venueweb page 1422 contains a media order button 1428 that, when clicked byguest 1410, automatically takes a payment from device 1412 and downloadsthe associated media to device 1412. In another embodiment, venue webpage 1422 contains a product order button 1426 that, when clicked on byguest 1410, places an order for an associated product.

Specifically, venue server 1420 may offer media and products, ordifferent prices (e.g., discounted) to guests attending venue 1402 thatare not available to people not attending venue 1402. In anotherembodiment, venue web page 1422 displays a promotion link 1430 specificto the time and place of venue 1402 that when selected by guest 1410redirects a browser of device 1412 to additional offers and informationthat is not available to people outside of venue 1402.

In one embodiment, a wireless tag (e.g., tag 1100 of FIG. 11) containsmusic samples of newly released (or about to be released) songs,trailers for movies, trailers for TV shows, and so on, wherein a usermay download the music, trailers, etc, to a portable media devicedirectly from the wireless tag or via a web site identified by thewireless tag.

In another example, where a portable media device (e.g., a mobile phone)includes wireless capability (e.g., NFC capability, or other wirelesstechnology such as Bluetooth 4.0), the portable media device may beloaded with an e-ticket that is validated by a wireless reader uponentrance of the device to a venue. As the user enters, the device may bedirected, by the wireless reader at the entrance, to a web site thatsells media of an artist playing at the venue. Alternatively, the devicemay be loaded with one or more of a coupon, promotional material, a freesong, free images, and so on.

In yet another example, where a guest's portable media device includeswireless capability and accesses a web page through a URL provided by awireless tag at a venue, the portable media device may be registered ashaving been present at the venue at a given date and time. Registry ofthe portable media device may be established by the web page downloadinga digital coupon to the portable media device, or by the web pagereceiving information of the guest or the portable media device, andstoring the information in a database. Thereafter, the portable mediadevice and/or the guest may be deemed eligible for special merchandiseoffers, media downloads, loyalty programs or social media participationbased on the guest's presence at the venue at the specific date and/ortime. This feature may be thought of as enabling a “You Were There!”functionality wherein even after the event, the guest remains eligiblefor the special offers, participation or downloads. You Were There!functionality may be particularly useful for enabling offers that maynot be in existence at the time that a guest attended, but could becreated later because something unexpected or noteworthy happened atthat date or time. For example:

-   -   A concert could become noteworthy, perhaps because there was an        unexpected appearance by an additional artist, because it became        famous as a breakthrough performance by a rising artist, or        because it became an artist's last performance A guest at that        concert could receive future offers to obtain audio or video        recordings or other commemoration merchandise related to the        concert, or could be deemed eligible to participate in social        media as one known to have been at the concert.    -   A guest at an outdoor venue could receive a future offer of        merchandise or discounted or free tickets, as compensation for        the venue experiencing poor weather or some other adverse        natural event.    -   A guest at an indoor venue could receive a future offer of        merchandise or discounted or free tickets, as compensation for        the venue experiencing security issues or a power outage.

Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departingfrom the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The followingclaims are intended to cover all generic and specific features describedherein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method andsystem, which, as a matter of language, might be said to falltherebetween. In particular, the following embodiments are specificallycontemplated, as well as any combinations of such embodiments that arecompatible with one another:

A. A system for delivering information to a guest at a venue, includinga wireless tag, located within the venue and having a Universal ResourceLocator (URL) stored therein; and a server for providing a web pageaddressable by the URL and containing the information; such that the webpage displays the information to any portable media device, used by theguest, that interfaces with the wireless tag.

B. The system of embodiment A, wherein the wireless tag is an NFC tag.

C. The system of embodiments A or B, wherein the wireless tag isattached to a mobility device within the venue.

D. The system of any of embodiments A through C, wherein the mobilitydevice is a chair of a chairlift.

E. The system of any of embodiments A through D, wherein the wirelesstag is integrated with a ski area map display attached to the chairlift.

F. The system of any of embodiments A through C, wherein the mobilitydevice is a cabin of a gondola.

G. The system of any of embodiments A through C, wherein the informationincludes one or more of audio, video, graphic and text presentation ofsafety information associated with use of the mobility device.

H. The system of any of embodiments A through G, wherein the servercommunicates with an advertisement database storing an advertisement,and wherein the advertisement is included within the web page and isdelivered to the guest.

I. The system of any of embodiments A through H, the informationcomprising survey information, and wherein the web page provides thesurvey information to the guest and uploads responses of the guest tothe server.

J. The system of any of embodiments A through I, wherein the web pageaddressable by the URL includes an advertisement.

K. The system of any of embodiments A through J, wherein the web pageincludes a coupon that can be stored on the portable media device andcan be used within the venue.

L. The system of any of embodiments A through K, wherein the web pagecontains an announcement of a competition, and links to (a) terms of thecompetition, and (b) a feature indicating agreement to the terms, andwherein if the guest activates the feature indicating agreement to theterms, the portable media device is redirected to a competition web pagethat contains information of the competition.

M. The system of any of embodiments A through L, wherein upon the guestagreeing to the terms, the web page retrieves information of the guestfrom the portable media device and provides the information to a thirdparty

N. The system of any of embodiments A through M, wherein the web pagecontains an announcement of a survey and a link to a survey web page,wherein if the guest follows the link, the portable media device isredirected to the survey web page.

O. The system of any of embodiments A through N, wherein the web pagecontains a selectable link to a social networking web page, wherein theportable media device of the guest receives the URL from the wirelesstag and automatically connects to the web page to display the selectablelink, and wherein, upon selection of the selectable link by the guest,the server sends information of the selectable link to the socialnetworking server.

P. The system of any of embodiments A through O, wherein the selectablelink initiates a “like” of the guest for an advertisement locatedproximate the wireless tag.

Q. The system of any of embodiments A through P, further comprising alocation identifier within the wireless tag that identifies a locationdefined by the social networking server, wherein the selectable linkinitiates a “check-in” of the guest at the location.

R. The system of any of embodiments A through Q, wherein the web pageinvokes an upload script for uploading a photograph from the portablemedia device of the guest.

S. A system for delivering location specific information of a venue to aguest at the venue, comprising: a venue app that contains theinformation and is compatible with a portable media device of the guest;and a wireless tag located within the venue and having a locationindicator that is associated with a location of the tag; wherein whenthe venue app resides on the portable media device and the portablemedia device receives the location indicator from the wireless tag, theportable media device displays the information, based upon the locationindicator, utilizing the venue app.

T. The system of embodiment S, further comprising: a Universal ResourceLocator (URL) stored within the wireless tag; and a server connected tothe Internet for providing a web page addressable by the URL andcontaining updated information of the venue; wherein the serverdownloads the web page with the updated information to any portablemedia device that interfaces with the wireless tag.

U. The system of embodiments S or T, wherein the wireless tag isattached to one of a chair of a chairlift, and a cabin of a gondola.

V. A method for delivering information to a guest at a venue,comprising: configuring a web page with the information, wherein the webpage is addressable by a Universal Resource Locator (URL) stored withina wireless tag; receiving an access request to the URL from a portablemedia device of the guest when the portable media device interfaces withthe wireless tag; and delivering the information to the guest by sendingthe web page to the portable media device.

W. The method of embodiment V, further comprising retrieving theinformation from database running on a server to configure the web page.

X. A method for delivering contact information of an interested party toan advertiser, comprising: displaying an advertisement of the advertiserat a location accessible by the interested party and with a wireless tagprogrammed with a Universal Resource Locator (URL); configuring a webpage addressable by the URL with a script for receiving the contactinformation; receiving an access request to the URL from a portablemedia device that interfaces with the wireless tag; receiving, using thescript, the contact information from the portable media device; andsending the contact information to the advertiser in exchange forrevenue.

Y. The method of embodiment X, further comprising placing the wirelesstag on the advertisement in exchange for additional revenue.

Z. The method of embodiments X or Y, further comprising configuring thescript to interact with the interested party via the portable mediadevice to receive additional information.

AA. A system for delivering location specific information of a venue toa guest at the venue, comprising: a venue app, containing the locationspecific information, available for downloading to, and running on, aportable media device of the guest; and a wireless tag having a locationindicator associated with a location of the tag; wherein if the portablemedia device runs the venue app and receives the location indicator fromthe tag, the venue app causes the portable media device to display thelocation specific information based upon the location indicator.

BB. A method for delivering information to a guest at a venue,comprising: configuring a web page that is addressable by a UniversalResource Locator (URL) stored within a wireless tag, with theinformation; receiving an access request to the URL from a portablemedia device that has read the URL from the tag; and sending the webpage to the portable media device for delivery to the guest.

CC. A method for providing a venue with wireless tag based communicationcapability, comprising: configuring a plurality of wireless tags withdigital content that is specific to the venue, wherein each of thewireless tags is capable of transmitting the digital content to aportable media device; and installing the wireless tags at the venue.

DD. The method of embodiment CC, wherein configuring comprises providingeach of the wireless tags with a Universal Resource Locator (URL).

EE. The method of embodiments CC or DD, wherein providing each of thewireless tags with a URL comprises providing one or more of the URLs asan address of a web page that includes advertising content from anadvertiser.

FF. The method of any of embodiments CC through EE, wherein installingthe wireless tags at the venue comprises locating the one or more of thewireless tags with one or more printed advertisements from theadvertiser.

GG. The method of any of embodiments CC through FF, wherein configuringcomprises arranging for a wireless tag manufacturer or distributor toconfigure the wireless tags.

HH. The method of any of embodiments CC through GG, wherein installingcomprises integrating each of the wireless tags with a component that isone of a seat, an armrest, a seat back and a map display, and installingthe component at the venue.

II. The method of any of embodiments CC through HH, wherein configuringthe plurality of wireless tags comprises configuring each of theplurality of wireless tags with digital content corresponding to alocation identifier within the venue.

JJ. The method of any of embodiments CC through II, wherein configuringthe plurality of wireless tags comprises configuring each wireless tagof a subset of the plurality of wireless tags with the same locationidentifier.

KK. The method of any of embodiments CC through II, wherein configuringthe plurality of wireless tags comprises configuring each wireless tagof a subset of the plurality of wireless tags with a different locationidentifier.

LL. The method of any of embodiments CC through KK, wherein configuringeach wireless tag comprises configuring each wireless tag with alocation identifier that is specific to an individual carrier of amobility device.

MM. The method of any of embodiments CC through LL, wherein configuringeach wireless tag with a location identifier comprises configuring eachwireless tag with a location identifier that is specific to anindividual chair of a chairlift, and wherein installing comprisesintegrating each wireless tag with a media display system that includesa printed map of the ski area that includes the chairlift, and mountingthe media display system on a restraint bar of the chair.

NN. A method for providing information services to guests of a venuethat has wireless tags installed therein, comprising: configuring aserver with information that corresponds to digital content stored onone or more of the wireless tags; and upon receiving a request from aportable media device that receives the digital content from one of thewireless tags, downloading the information to the portable media device.

OO. The method of embodiment NN, wherein configuring the servercomprises configuring the information as a web page.

PP. The method of embodiment NN or OO, wherein configuring the servercomprises configuring the information as one or more of video, audio,text and an image.

QQ. The method of any of embodiments NN through PP, wherein configuringthe server comprises receiving at least part of the information from anoperator of the venue.

RR. The method of any of embodiments NN through QQ, wherein configuringthe server comprises configuring the information as a plurality ofUniversal Resource Locator (URL)s, and wherein downloading theinformation comprises responding with one of the URLs that correspondsto a location identifier contained within the request.

SS. The method of any of embodiments NN through RR, further comprisinggenerating utilization information that includes at least one ofrequests received from one or more portable media devices, informationdownloaded to the portable media devices, and information uploaded fromthe portable media devices.

TT. The method of any of embodiments NN through SS, further comprisingtransferring the utilization information to an advertiser in exchangefor revenue.

UU. A method for a venue operator to enhance customer experience ofguests at a venue, comprising: providing information of the venue to amedia provider; and granting the media provider access to the venue toinstall wireless tags with a physical display of the information withinthe venue, the wireless tags storing digital content that the guests canaccess through a portable media device to display further information.

VV. The method of embodiment UU, further comprising collecting revenuefrom the media provider in exchange for the access.

WW. The method of embodiments UU or VV, wherein granting the mediaprovider access comprises allowing the media provider to install mediadisplay systems that integrate the information of the venue with thewireless tags.

XX. The method of any embodiments UU through WW, wherein providing theinformation of the venue comprises providing a map of the venue.

YY. The method of any embodiments UU through XX, wherein granting themedia provider access to the venue comprises allowing the media providerto install media display systems that integrate the map of the venuewith the wireless tags, on chairs of a chairlift.

ZZ. The method of any embodiments UU through YY, wherein providing theinformation of the venue comprises providing information about numberand type of facilities at the venue, for use in determining a number ofthe wireless tags and configuring the wireless tags.

AAA. The method of any embodiments UU through ZZ, further comprisingproviding updated information of the venue to the media provider, to beprovided to the guests as the further information.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for delivering digital content to a guest at a resort, comprising: a wireless interface positioned at a ski map on a chairlift or gondola of the resort, the wireless interface configured to provide the digital content to a portable media device (PMD) in response to scanning of the wireless interface by the portable media device.
 2. The system of claim 1, the wireless interface comprising a near-field communication tag, a RFID tag, or a Bluetooth device.
 3. The system of claim 1, the ski map being located on a restraint bar of the chairlift.
 4. The system of claim 1, the digital content including a Universal Resource Locator (URL) stored within the wireless tag such that the PMD retrieves additional content from the URL in response transmission of the URL from the wireless interface to the PMD.
 5. The system of claim 1, the digital content including one or more of slope grooming information, ski lift openings, ski lift closures, ski lift wait times, terrain information, and an advertisement.
 6. The system of claim 1, the digital content including location specific information defining a location of the wireless tag within the resort.
 7. The system of claim 1, the location specific information including a chairlift name and number.
 8. The system of claim 1, the wireless interface comprising multiple wireless interfaces on the chairlift or gondola.
 9. The system of claim 8, the multiple wireless interfaces each being associated with information on the ski map proximate the respective wireless interface.
 10. A method for delivering digital content to a guest at a resort, comprising: reading, from a wireless interface positioned at a ski map on a chairlift or gondola at the resort, digital content about the resort; and, displaying the digital content on a portable media device (PMD).
 11. The method of claim 10, the wireless interface comprising a near-field communication tag, a RFID tag, or a Bluetooth device.
 12. The method of claim 10, the digital content including a Universal Resource Locator (URL); the method further including accessing, from the PMD, the URL to obtain additional digital content.
 13. The method of claim 10, the digital content including one or more of slope grooming information, ski lift openings, ski lift closures, ski lift wait times, terrain information, and an advertisement.
 14. The method of claim 10, the digital content including location specific information defining a location of the wireless tag within the resort.
 15. The method of claim 14 the location specific information including a chairlift name and number.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising tracking utilization information regarding a number of times the PMD scans a wireless interface. 